Thirty Bench Winemaker’s Blend Red VQA

The 2020 vintage was one of the best in recent times for the Bordeaux varieties in Niagara – merlot, cabernet and franc. It is still not as ripe and rich as similar blends from California or South America, and shows Niagara’s herbal edge. It is actually very bright and detailed with currant/berry fruit, violets, judicious oak spice and vanillin. It is medium bodied, juicy yet firm with slightly starchy tannin. I would age this another two or three years. Excellent length. Last tasted January 2024. (David Lawrason,winealign.com)